Two months have passed since the head of the department borrowed a book from the department library. What is the most advisable action?

Two months have passed since the head of the department borrowed a book from the department library. What is the most advisable action?

• A. Ask the department head if he wishes to keep the book out longer
• B. Return the book to the shelf immediately
• C. Mark the book as overdue and notify the department
• D. Request that another staff member locate the book

Answer: (A)

When a book is still needed by a senior staff member, the best move is to check with the borrower about renewing the loan. Since two months have passed and the head of the department borrowed the item, asking whether they’d like to keep it out longer directly addresses the situation: it respects their need for the material, keeps access simple if they still require it, and usually fits with library policies that allow renewals for staff. If they agree, you update the due date and proceed with the renewal. If the head does not want to renew, you can then follow the standard overdue procedures. Returning the book to the shelf immediately would cut off the borrower’s access without asking, and marking it as overdue without first attempting a renewal misses an opportunity for a smooth, respectful resolution. Notifying the department or asking someone else to locate the book may be appropriate later, but they don’t address the immediate need to confirm whether a renewal is possible.

When a book is still needed by a senior staff member, the best move is to check with the borrower about renewing the loan. Since two months have passed and the head of the department borrowed the item, asking whether they’d like to keep it out longer directly addresses the situation: it respects their need for the material, keeps access simple if they still require it, and usually fits with library policies that allow renewals for staff. If they agree, you update the due date and proceed with the renewal.

If the head does not want to renew, you can then follow the standard overdue procedures. Returning the book to the shelf immediately would cut off the borrower’s access without asking, and marking it as overdue without first attempting a renewal misses an opportunity for a smooth, respectful resolution. Notifying the department or asking someone else to locate the book may be appropriate later, but they don’t address the immediate need to confirm whether a renewal is possible.